For more than three decades, the Orland Open Spelling Bee has been attracting area word enthusiasts for the rare opportunity to test their spelling chops.

Now in its 34th year, founder Bill Smith, also known as the Spelling Master, said he again expects a regular crowd of about 100 excited participants to show up for the 2012 bee on Sunday, Oct. 21.

With about 40 spellers signed up a few weeks ahead of the event, Smith said he was confident the community tradition would attract a nice-size crowd again.

"The regulars register last minute, or they just walk in," he said. "And that's perfectly OK."

The first event was held in 1979 and was organized through the Presbyterian Church in Orland Park, where Smith is a member. After successfully organizing an open spelling bee in Oak Lawn in 1976 for the U.S. bicentennial, when Smith moved from Oak Lawn to Orland Park he took the idea with him.

"And here we are 34 years later," he said.

The church still co-sponsors and hosts most of the bees under Smith's direction. Orland School District 135 co-sponsored the event in its first few years, but in 1983 the village of Orland Park stepped in as the co-sponsor. Most bees have been held at the church, but every fifth year the bee has been scheduled at the Orland Park Civic Center. That's where a special 35th bee is scheduled for 2013.

Orland Park Trustee Ed Schussler, who was a judge at the first bee, is returning again this year to take his seat at the judges table. He has helped with the bee on and off through the years and said he plans to stick with the contest for as long as he can because it's a great community event that offers a unique experience for area residents.

"The community supports it, and you get a really broad cross-section of people," he said.

There are no residential requirements to participate, and the "open" bee concept means spellers of all ages are welcome and will compete against one another. Still, spellers should be at least 8 years old to register.

Smith said some people can be apprehensive about putting children and adults in the same contest, but he begins each year with a round for 8- to 10-year-olds and gives awards for separate age categories as well as an overall winner.

In the end, "36 people go home with an award," he said.

The uniqueness of the event seems to keep the participant pool steady each year and can sometimes attract spellers from 30 miles away, Schussler said.

Occasionally, a few participants can get carried away with the competitive spirit, but mostly, he said everyone who shows up is there for a fun, unique Sunday afternoon.

"Most people are out just to see how well they do and to have a good time," he said.

The bee is free, and participants can register the day of the event. The first round of spelling begins at 2 p.m. For more information, call 708-403-0804.